In technologies: in addition to using the retro reflective technology with standard polarisation technology, some materials e.g. PET have characteristics that additionally polarize light. This effect can be utilized further to enhance the difference between usable signal and noise.

In production: production technologies that allow a minimal deviation from the desired target specification values ensure that the performance of a sensor evaluated at the design-in phase does not vary during mass machine production.

In application: the selection of the fitting sensor in combination with choosing an appropriate mounting and parameter setting can further enhance the operational stability and/or detection accuracy.

Compensating for optical effects

Issue 2: Compensating for optical effects

As light travels through differing transparent materials (glass/PET) the following detection errors can occur:

Lens-effect : transparent objects with convex shapes (e.g. shower gel bottles) can perform like a lens and allow too much light to be received by the sensor. This can result in a false reading that no object is present or it can cause a so-called double-triggering (2 signals for only one object).

Total reflection: if the emitted light meets the surface of a transparent object at a certain angle, the light can be totally reflected instead of going through the transparent object. If the totally reflected beam hits the receiver, it can falsely result in a "no object" reading.

Our solution:

At Omron we use special coaxial optics for our higher value and application specific sensors. These special coaxial optical sensors reduce or completely eliminate the above described optical effects. Cylindrical sensors utilise the coaxial optics to prevent false signals caused by incorrect installation or turning sensors using conventional separate sender and receiver optics.

Process related requirements

Issue 3: Process related requirements

In order to select the correct transparent detection sensor taking also machine and process related issues into consideration is very important:

Minimal space between bottles

Conveying speed of the bottles/containers

Object size or shape (miniature objects, flat glass, etc)

Limited mounting space or long distances

Hot, wet or hygienic environments

Detection of container and content at the same time (e.g. vial and plug, vial and lyo cake, glass syringe with or without protective cover,…)

Our solution:

At Omron we have a global network of application engineers. Their technical knowledge and experience will assist you and your company in making the correct product selection to fit your organisation industrial automation requirements and needs. What can we do for you?

Solution portfolio

Best choice in value for money

E3Z-B:

For standard applications

All transparent objects

Excellent value for money

Best choice in reliability, flexibility, stability

E3ZM-BT:

The "All-rounder"….stable detection of transparent objects in a wide range of applications

All transparent objects

Excellent chemical resistance

E3FZ-B:

The "M18 cylindrical brother" of E3ZM-BT

Position independent detection due to co-axial optics

Best performance for dedicated applications

E3ZM-B:

The "PET-Specialist"

Advanced reliability due to special polarization and automatic threshold control

E3X – Fiber amp. /E3C remote amp.:

Best detection performance for transparent film, flat glass in hot or wet environments or longest lifetime for frequently cleaned environments